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A robber who killed twice while on the run has been convicted of two counts of murder. James Allen, 36, savagely attacked 81-year-old Colin Dunford in his Middlesbrough terrace home, then three days later stabbed Julie Davison, 50, to death at her flat in Whitby, North Yorkshire.

The double killing sparked a huge manhunt which ended in Leeds when an off-duty police officer spotted him. Allen, who has a history of violent crime, was convicted of murdering his vulnerable victims following a trial at Newcastle Crown Court.

He attacked Mr Dunford while lying low at a friend's house after being accused of a serious crime in April. He died from serious head injuries. Allen then cycled 30 miles to Whitby and a day later talked his way into Ms Davison's home where he launched

a merciless attack on her before wrecking her home while looking for things to steal. The manhunt drew national publicity and ended on April 29, when he was spotted by an off-duty officer and was arrested.

The jury at the trial of a man accused of double murder, including a woman in Whitby, has retired to consider its verdict. James Allen is accused of killing Julie Davison at her home in the seaside resort in April, days after the murder of a man in Middlesborough.

Both victims were found with head injuries. James Allen was arrested after being spotted by a police officer in Leeds and denies killing the pair.

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A man accused of double murder was thrown out of his trial for a second time after another outburst in the courtroom. James Allen is accused of murdering 50-year-old Julie Davison in Whitby, as well as a pensioner in Middlesborough.

36-year-old Allen muttered in the dock at Newcastle Corwn Court during the prosecution's closing speech, and argued with the judge when told to stop. He is also accused of rape, false imprisonment, assault and witness intimidation.

Lawyers representing a man accused of double murder, including a woman in Whitby, have started their defence. James Allen is accused of attacking Julie Davison at her home in the seaside resort just days after murdering a man in Middlesborough.

A man will stand trial for two murders after today pleading not guilty to the charges. James Allen, 36, denies killing Julie Davison, 50, from Whitby, North Yorks and Colin Dunford, 81, of Middlesbrough, in April.

Julie Davison murdered in Whitby Credit: ITV Yorkshire

Appearing at Newcastle Crown Court, Allen, of Middlesbrough, spoke only to confirm his name and enter not guilty pleas. A three-week trial, which will be heard by a High Court judge, will start on October 29 at the same court. Allen was remanded in custody.